What does thinning hair indicate?

It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp.

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What diseases cause hair thinning?

Symptom of a medical illness — Hair loss can be one of the symptoms of a medical illness, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, a thyroid disorder (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), a sex-hormone imbalance or a serious nutritional problem, especially a deficiency of protein, iron, zinc or ...

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Does thin hair mean unhealthy hair?

Many folks try to avoid thinner hair because of its perceived links to unhealthy hair and hair loss. However, those are only the broadest and most common meanings in the thick vs. thin hair debate. Having thin hair doesn't mean it's unhealthy unless your hair was thick beforehand.

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Can hair grow back after thinning?

Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that affects people after they experience severe stress or a change to their body. Symptoms include thinning hair, usually around the top of your head. Treatment exists to reverse hair loss, but hair will typically grow back in three to six months without treatment.

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Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

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Mayo Clinic Minute: Expert advice for women with thinning hair

18 related questions found

How can I thicken my thinning hair?

You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
  1. Pick a thickening shampoo and conditioner. ...
  2. Keep your hair and scalp healthy. ...
  3. Eat to benefit your hair. ...
  4. Add hair thickening products to your regimen. ...
  5. Use color to create the illusion of fullness.

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What can cause thinning hair in females?

Causes of hair loss
  • Hereditary hair loss. Both men and women develop this type of hair loss, which is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. ...
  • Age. ...
  • Alopecia areata. ...
  • Childbirth, illness, or other stressors. ...
  • Hair care. ...
  • Hairstyle pulls on your scalp. ...
  • Hormonal imbalance. ...
  • Scalp infection.

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What's the difference between thin hair and thinning hair?

You may also see more shedding when you run your hands or a comb through your hair. If your hair isn't dense, but you don't notice any of these changes, you have thin hair; if you notice changes over time, chances are it's thinning.

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Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.

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What is the #1 cause of thinning hair?

Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth.

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Should I cut my hair if it's thinning?

Wearing your hair too long will make it look thinner

"Ironically, with thinning hair it's important to make sure you get your hair cut regularly," says Julie Hensman, from Hensmans in Northampton. "Thinning hair can get out of shape more quickly, making it look more obvious".

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Does thinning hair look better short or long?

"If you're thinning you want to stay away from longer, straighter, hair styles that may make the thinning hair more apparent," she says. "The best bet is to move to a medium length, with a blunter cut, that will create the look of fuller hair."

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What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse. Regrowth is usual with successful treatment of the thyroid disorder, though it will take several months and may be incomplete.

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What autoimmune diseases cause hair thinning?

Which autoimmune diseases can cause hair loss?
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • Discoid lupus.
  • Hashimoto's thyroiditis (and hypothyroidism in general)
  • Graves' disease (and hyperthyroidism in general)
  • Dermatomyositis.
  • Scleroderma.
  • Certain autoimmune disorders of the skin (like pemphigus vulgaris)

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What causes weak thinning hair?

Although hair loss is more common among men, women can experience it as well. Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, and it can be caused by genetics, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors such as how you wear your hair, medical treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, or even a very stressful event.

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Is it normal to see your scalp through your hair?

It can be normal to see your scalp through your hair, particularly if you have naturally fine or light-colored hair. Hair density, color, and thickness all play a role in how visible the scalp is.

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How do you fix thinning hair?

The most common options include:
  1. Minoxidil (Rogaine). Over-the-counter (nonprescription) minoxidil comes in liquid, foam and shampoo forms. ...
  2. Finasteride (Propecia). This is a prescription drug for men. ...
  3. Other medications. Other oral options include spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart).

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What hairstyle is best for very thin hair?

A shorter haircut will help get rid of the weight pulling those limp strands down. If you have thin hair, a blunt cut will feign thickness, and a pixie cut makes those strands feather-light and much more pliable for styling. For thicker fine hair, well-placed long layers give dimension and volume to your bobs and lobs.

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What organ causes thinning hair?

Thyroid Problems

Either an underactive thyroid (a medical condition called hypothyroidism), or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), can result in hair loss because each condition causes a hormonal imbalance.

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What age does women's hair start thinning?

Genetics

The most common reason for hair loss in both men and women is genetics. You can inherit the genes for hair loss from one or both of your parents. In women, hereditary hair loss usually starts after the age of 40.

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What is the best vitamin for female hair loss?

Vivian Bucay, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics says iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins C, D, E, and B play a crucial role in hair growth.

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Which vitamins thicken hair?

The 10 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Hair Growth
  • Biotin. If you've looked into hair growth vitamins in the past, you've probably run across biotin, also called B7, or vitamin H. ...
  • Vitamin C. ...
  • Vitamin D. ...
  • Iron. ...
  • Zinc. ...
  • Protein. ...
  • Keratin. ...
  • Collagen.

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Can hair thickness be restored?

Depending on how much hair you've lost, you could be a candidate for non-surgical treatments for restoring hair. There are a number of topical solutions such as shampoos and moisturizing conditioners that can revitalize and thicken your hair.

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What foods are good for hair thickness?

Diet and Healthy Hair
  • Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and other fatty fish.
  • Flaxseed oil, Flaxseeds, chia seeds, canola oil.
  • Walnuts.
  • Soy beans, tofu and cruciferous.
  • Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts)

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